mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: cloudy white or yellowish-white, Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: poor/conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: cloudy white or yellowish-white, Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: poor/conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and through the crystallization of magma or silica-rich hot fluids. It is found in many geological environments and ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, abrasive manufacturing, as a source of silicon for electronics, and in landscaping or decorative masonry.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from minute fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it scratches glass), lack of visible cleavage, and white translucent appearance. It is ubiquitous in riverbeds and mountainous terrain globally.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous